Washington celebrates one of their three goals tonight (Via NHL Bruins)

With just three games remaining, the Bruins headed to Washington looking to pick up two more crucial points, as the race for the playoffs comes to an end.

The Washington Capitals came out with energy and speed, which had the Bruins playing back on their heels early. A break down in coverage resulted in the first goal of the game, coming off the stick of John Carlson. Carlson was able to walk right down main street and put the puck under the crossbar.

Just 2:17 seconds later, another defensemen for Washington would strike. A Matt Niskanen slap shot would put the Capitals up by two. Tuukka Rask did not have much of a chance at stopping the shot, as it changed direction after hitting Zach Trotman. The Bruins had a tough time keeping the play in the Washington end and weren't able to mount any solid offensive zone time.

The second period wasn't all that much better for Boston, although they did have their chances.

The Bruins began to log some offensive zone time, as they were able to create some chances down low. Boston would also have two breakaway's in the period, both would be stopped by Braden Holtby. The first stop was on Louis Eriksson, after he was sent in alone, by a great feed from Brad Marchand. The second stop came against Milan Lucic. Lucic was sent off to the races by a strong pass from Brett Connolly, only to have his predictable 5-hole shot saved.

Towards the end of the period, Washington would stick another dagger into Boston. Evgeny Kuznetsov would start to take the puck around the Boston net, halfway around the net, he completely reversed the puck back out front where Marcus Johansson was greeted with a wide open net.

With Washington up 3-0 after the second period, Bruins fans began to feel the tension build. The question then became, would Boston be able to score a goal on Brayden Holtby?

As the third period began, Boston was taking chances, pinching defensemen, as they were trying to get something going.

Once again, they had chances, but could not solve Holtby. Claude Julien was mixing lines up all night, which ultimately led him to reuniting the Lucic, Spooner, and Pastrnak line. On their first shift back together, Milan Lucic had another golden chance to get Boston on the board, but could not get the job done.

All night long, and for the past three games against Washington, the Bruins could not get one past Holtby. The Bruins now head to Florida tomorrow, each team having 95 points. Both teams have two games remaining.